September 2, 2020 โ The U.S. International Trade Commission has embarked on an investigation into โpossible negative effectsโ on the American lobster industry from Canadaโs trade deal with the European Union.
The commission said it will investigate the overall economic impact of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement on the volume of U.S. exports of lobster to the European Union and the United Kingdom.
That trade deal between Canada and the EU removed all tariffs on imported Canadian lobsters and gave Canadaโs lobster suppliers a clear advantage in the EU market, where U.S. suppliers faced an 8% tariff on their lobsters.
Lobster fishing is based mostly in New England and is one of the regionโs the most lucrative marine industries. Massachusetts is the biggest exporter of lobster, behind Maine. Gloucester is the Bay Stateโs top port when it comes to lobster landings, while Rockport is in the top five.